The authors said that increasing level of education and physical activity reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease, while increasing levels of smoking increased the risk.

"Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets, used on a regular basis and without consideration of the nature of carbohydrates or the source of proteins, are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease," the authors conclude.

Such diets are frequently used to lose weight. They are favoured among many celebrities as a method to keep trim.

Responding to these findings, Colette Heimowitz, vice president of nutrition and education for Atkins Nutritionals Inc, told HuffPost Lifestyle: “To suggest this is a report on an ‘Atkins-style’ diet is extremely misleading. This observational study simply states that ‘fewer carbs’ and ‘higher protein’ intake was associated with higher incidence of heart disease.

"Long term adherence to low carbohydrate diets requires carefully considered food choices, which the Atkins Diet teaches in all educational materials, published books and communications.

“The authors of the report even conclude that that low carbohydrate-high protein diets are only associated with cardiovascular risk when used on a regular basis, without consideration of the nature of carbohydrates or the source of proteins.

"In stark contrast, Atkins is a nutritional strategy which stresses nutrient-dense carbohydrates as part of a balanced eating plan and includes a variety of protein and good fats, while restricting carbohydrates which have the greatest impact on blood sugar.

“High triglycerides and low HDL reported in the study are linked to strokes.

However, the Atkins Diet has demonstrated time and time again in peer review published clinical trials that the opposite happens, a clear indication that these women were not doing any form of Atkins-style diet or the incidence of stroke would have been diminished.”

Not all carbohydrates are evil! Take a look at carbs that can help you keep your weight under control...